Solid electrolytic capacitor, and method of manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

Provided is a method of manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor that suppresses spreading up of a solution. The method includes forming a porous sintered body made of a valve metal and having an anode wire sticking out therefrom; forming an insulating layer made of a fluorine resin, so as to surround the anode wire; and forming a dielectric layer on the porous sintered body; forming a solid electrolyte layer on the dielectric layer, after forming the insulating layer. The process of forming the insulating layer includes melting granular particles made of a fluorine resin.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/306,806, filedJun. 17, 2014, which is a Divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 13/090,769, filedApr. 20, 2011, which applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a solid electrolytic capacitor, and toa method of manufacturing the solid electrolytic capacitor.

2. Description of the Related Art

In electronic circuits, capacitors have conventionally been popularlyemployed. In particular, solid electrolytic capacitors are widelyemployed in electronic circuits, because of their relatively small sizeand large capacitance.

Conventional solid electrolytic capacitors include a porous sinteredbody with an anode wire sticking out therefrom. On a surface of theporous sintered body, a dielectric layer and a solid electrolyte layerare stacked. A washer is fitted to a base portion of the anode wire. Thewasher is made of an insulative material such as a fluorine resin. Thewasher includes a hole for the anode wire to pass therethrough.Description of such a solid electrolytic capacitor can be found, forexample, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2007-305930.

In a manufacturing process of the solid electrolytic capacitor, theporous sintered body is soaked, for example, in aqueous solution ofmanganese nitrate, to form the solid electrolyte layer. In such aninstance, if the anode wire is put into the manganese nitrate aqueoussolution without a washer fitted thereto, the manganese nitrate aqueoussolution will spread up along the anode wire. Such upward spreadingleads to emergence of a leak current in the solid electrolytic capacitormade up as a finished product. Conventionally, to prevent the upwardspreading, a washer is fitted around the anode wire before the poroussintered body is soaked in the manganese nitrate aqueous solution.

In the conventional solid electrolytic capacitor, however, there may bea small gap formed between the washer and the anode wire. Such a gap mayinduce the manganese nitrate aqueous solution to spread up owing tocapillary action.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been proposed under the foregoing situation,and provides a solid electrolytic capacitor than can suppress theundesired upward spreading, and a method of manufacturing such a solidelectrolytic capacitor.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a method ofmanufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor. The method includesforming a porous sintered body made of a valve metal and having an anodewire sticking out therefrom; forming an insulating layer made of afluorine resin, so as to surround the anode wire; forming a dielectriclayer on the porous sintered body; forming a solid electrolyte layer onthe dielectric layer, after forming the insulating layer; and theprocess of forming the insulating layer includes melting a resinmaterial made of a fluorine resin.

A second aspect of the present invention provides the method accordingto the first aspect, wherein the resin material includes a plurality ofgranular particles.

A third aspect of the present invention provides the method according tothe second aspect, wherein the process of forming the insulating layerfurther includes depositing the plurality of granular particles to theanode wire, before melting the resin material.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides the method accordingto the third aspect, wherein the process of forming the insulating layerfurther includes depositing the plurality of granular particles to theporous sintered body, at the same time as depositing the granularparticles to the anode wire.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides the method according tothe third aspect, wherein the process of depositing the plurality ofgranular particles to the anode wire includes depositing the granularparticles only to a portion of the anode wire spaced from the poroussintered body.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides the method according toany one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the process of depositingthe plurality of granular particles to the anode wire includes applyingaqueous dispersion containing the granular particles to the anode wire.

A seventh aspect of the present invention provides the method accordingto any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the process of formingthe insulating layer is performed before forming the dielectric layer.

An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a solid electrolyticcapacitor. The solid electrolytic capacitor includes a porous sinteredbody constituted essentially of a valve metal; an anode wire stickingout from the porous sintered body; a dielectric layer provided on theporous sintered body; an insulating layer constituted essentially of afluorine resin and including a first film portion pierced with the anodewire; and a solid electrolyte layer provided on the dielectric layer andincluding a portion elevated with respect to the first film portion in adirection in which the anode wire sticks out.

A ninth aspect of the present invention provides another solidelectrolytic capacitor. This solid electrolytic capacitor includes aporous sintered body constituted essentially of a valve metal; an anodewire sticking out from the porous sintered body; a dielectric layerprovided on the porous sintered body; an insulating layer constitutedessentially of a fluorine resin and including a first film portionpierced with the anode wire; and a solid electrolyte layer provided onthe dielectric layer; and a periphery of the first film portion includesa proximal portion and a distal portion, and a distance between theproximal portion and the anode wire is smaller than a distance betweenthe distal portion and the anode wire.

A tenth aspect of the present invention provides still another solidelectrolytic capacitor. This solid electrolytic capacitor includes aporous sintered body constituted essentially of a valve metal; an anodewire sticking out from the porous sintered body; a dielectric layerprovided on the porous sintered body; an insulating layer constitutedessentially of a fluorine resin and including a first film portionpierced with the anode wire; and a solid electrolyte layer provided onthe dielectric layer; and the first film portion is of an asymmetricalshape with respect to a line passing the anode wire, in view in adirection in which the anode wire sticks out.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention provides still another solidelectrolytic capacitor. This solid electrolytic capacitor includes aporous sintered body constituted essentially of a valve metal; an anodewire sticking out from the porous sintered body; a dielectric layerprovided on the porous sintered body; an insulating layer constitutedessentially of a fluorine resin and including a first film portionpierced with the anode wire; and a solid electrolyte layer provided onthe dielectric layer; and the insulating layer is disposed in closecontact with the anode wire.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the eighth to tenthaspects, wherein the solid electrolyte layer is disposed so as tosurround the first film portion.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the eighth to tenthaspects, wherein the insulating layer further includes a second filmportion extending from the first film portion in the direction in whichthe anode wire sticks out, and disposed so as to cover the anode wire.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the eighth to tenthaspects, wherein the porous sintered body includes pores, and a part ofthe first film portion is provided in the pores.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the eighth to fourteenthaspects, wherein the porous sintered body includes a first lateralsurface oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction in whichthe anode wire sticks out, and the insulating layer includes a firstlateral film portion disposed so as to cover the first lateral surfaceand connected to the first film portion.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein theporous sintered body includes a second lateral surface oriented in adirection intersecting with both of the direction in which the anodewire sticks out and the direction in which the first lateral surface isoriented, and the insulating layer includes a second lateral filmportion disposed so as to cover the second lateral surface and connectedto the first film portion.

A seventeenth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein theporous sintered body includes a third lateral surface oriented in adirection opposite the direction in which the first lateral surface isoriented, and the insulating layer includes a third lateral film portiondisposed so as to cover the third lateral surface and connected to thefirst film portion.

An eighteenth aspect of the present invention provides still anothersolid electrolytic capacitor. This solid electrolytic capacitor includesa porous sintered body constituted essentially of a valve metal; ananode wire sticking out from the porous sintered body; a dielectriclayer provided on the porous sintered body; an insulating layerconstituted essentially of a fluorine resin and disposed so as to coverthe anode wire; and a solid electrolyte layer provided on the dielectriclayer and the anode wire, and including a portion elevated with respectto the insulating layer in a radial direction of the anode wire.

A nineteenth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the eighth to eighteenthaspects, wherein the insulating layer is disposed in close contact withthe anode wire.

A twentieth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the eighth to nineteenthaspects, further comprising a pillow electrode extending in thedirection in which the anode wire sticks out and supporting the anodewire; and an anode mounting terminal that supports the pillow electrode,the anode mounting terminal being electrically connected to the anodewire.

A twenty-first aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the twentieth aspect, wherein theanode mounting terminal includes a mounting surface, a supportingsurface that supports the pillow electrode, the supporting surface beinglocated on an opposite side of the mounting surface, and a recessedsurface located on the opposite side of the mounting surface and at anend portion thereof opposite the direction in which the anode wiresticks out; and a distance between the recessed surface and the mountingsurface is smaller than a distance between the supporting surface andthe mounting surface.

A twenty-second aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the twenty-first aspect, wherein theanode mounting terminal includes a fillet portion formed at an endportion in the direction in which the anode wire sticks out, so as torecede from the mounting surface toward the supporting surface.

A twenty-third aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the twenty-first aspect, furthercomprising an insulating layer provided on the recessed surface.

A twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the twentieth totwenty-third aspects, further comprising a resin package that covers theanode wire and the pillow electrode, wherein the anode wire and thepillow electrode each include a facet exposed from the resin package andflush with each other, and the resin package includes a facet that isflush with a facet of the anode wire.

A twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the twenty-fourth aspect, whereinthe insulating layer includes a facet exposed from the resin package andflush with the facet of the anode wire.

A twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the twentieth totwenty-fourth aspects, wherein the pillow electrode is connected to aportion of the anode wire spaced from the insulating layer.

A twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the twentieth totwenty-fifth aspects, wherein the pillow electrode is disposed incontact with the insulating layer.

A twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the twentieth totwenty-third aspects, wherein the insulating layer includes an opening,and the pillow electrode is connected to a portion of the anode wireexposed through the opening.

A twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the twentieth totwenty-fourth aspects, further comprising a base member including afirst surface directed to the anode wire and a second surface located onan opposite side of the first surface; a mounting anode layer providedon the second surface the base member and electrically connected to theanode wire; and a mounting cathode layer provided on the second surfaceof the base member and electrically connected to the solid electrolytelayer.

A thirtieth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the twenty-ninth aspect, furthercomprising a surface anode layer provided on the first surface of thebase member and electrically connected to the mounting anode layer; anda surface cathode layer provided on the first surface of the base memberand electrically connected to the mounting cathode layer.

A thirty-first aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the thirtieth aspect, wherein thebase member includes a stepped portion formed on an end portion in thedirection in which the anode wire sticks out, so as to recede from thesecond surface toward the first surface.

A thirty-second aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the thirtieth or thirty-firstaspect, further comprising a pillow electrode extending in a directionintersecting with the direction in which the anode wire sticks out andsupporting the anode wire; wherein the surface anode layer supports thepillow electrode.

A thirty-third aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the thirty-second aspect, furthercomprising a resin package that covers the anode wire and the pillowelectrode, wherein the anode wire and the pillow electrode each includea facet exposed from the resin package and flush with each other, andthe resin package includes a facet flush with a facet of the anode wire.

A thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the thirty-third aspect, wherein theinsulating layer includes a facet exposed from the resin package andflush with the facet of the anode wire.

A thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the twenty-fourth tothirty-third aspects, wherein the pillow electrode is connected to aportion of the anode wire spaced from the insulating layer.

A thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the thirty-second tothirty-fourth aspects, wherein the pillow electrode is disposed incontact with the insulating layer.

A thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the thirty-second aspect, whereinthe insulating layer includes an opening, and the pillow electrode isconnected to a portion of the anode wire exposed through the opening.

A thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the twenty-ninth aspect, furthercomprising a resin package that covers the anode wire; wherein the anodewire includes a facet exposed from the resin package, and the resinpackage, the base member, and the mounting anode layer each include afacet that is flush with the facet of the anode wire.

A thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the thirty-eighth aspect,further comprising a lateral anode layer that covers the respectivefacet of the anode wire, the resin package, the base member, and themounting anode layer.

A fortieth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the thirty-ninth aspect, wherein thelateral anode layer is formed by plating.

A forty-first aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the thirty-eighth aspect, whereinthe insulating layer includes a facet exposed from the resin package andflush with the facet of the anode wire.

A forty-second aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the eighth to forty-firstaspects, wherein the porous sintered body includes a surface from whichthe anode wire sticks out, and the anode wire sticks out from thesurface at a position deviated from a center thereof.

A forty-third aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the fifteenth toseventeenth aspects, further comprising an anode mounting terminalelectrically connected to the anode wire, wherein the anode mountingterminal is spaced, as viewed in a direction in which the anode wiresticks out, from the anode wire in a direction in which the firstlateral surface faces.

A forty-fourth aspect of the present invention provides the solidelectrolytic capacitor according to any one of the eighth to forty-thirdaspects, wherein the fluorine resin only contains at least one selectedfrom the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkylvinylether copolymer (PFA),fluorinated ethylene polypropylene copolymer (FEP),tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (ETFE), and polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF).

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become moreapparent through detailed description given below referring to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a first embodiment of the present invention, including anenlarged fragmentary view thereof;

FIG. 2 shows the solid electrolytic capacitor of FIG. 1, viewed in adirection indicated by an arrow II in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are enlarged cross-sectional views of circled portionsα1 and β1 in FIG. 1, respectively;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing process of the solidelectrolytic capacitor;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view for explaining the manufacturingprocess of the solid electrolytic capacitor;

FIG. 5B is a plan view for explaining the manufacturing process of thesolid electrolytic capacitor;

FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional view for explaining the manufacturingprocess of the solid electrolytic capacitor;

FIG. 7 is still another cross-sectional view for explaining themanufacturing process of the solid electrolytic capacitor;

FIG. 8 is still another cross-sectional view for explaining themanufacturing process of the solid electrolytic capacitor;

FIG. 9 is still another cross-sectional view for explaining themanufacturing process of the solid electrdlytic capacitor;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a capacitor element obtainedthrough the foregoing manufacturing process;

FIGS. 11A to 11D are scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of acapacitor element that has undergone a formation process of a solidelectrolyte layer;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are SEM images of the capacitor element that hasundergone the formation process of the solid electrolyte layer;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a first variation of the first embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a capacitor element obtainedthrough the foregoing manufacturing process;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a second variation of the first embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a left side view of the solid electrolytic capacitor shown inFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a third variation of the first embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a fourth variation of the first embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a second embodiment of the present invention, including anenlarged fragmentary view thereof;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a manufacturing processof the solid electrolytic capacitor according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 21 is another cross-sectional view for explaining a manufacturingprocess of the solid electrolytic capacitor according to the secondembodiment;

FIG. 22 is still another cross-sectional view for explaining amanufacturing process of the solid electrolytic capacitor according tothe second embodiment;

FIG. 23 is still another cross-sectional view for explaining amanufacturing process of the solid electrolytic capacitor according tothe second embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a first variation of the second embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a second variation of the second embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 shows the solid electrolytic capacitor of FIG. 27, viewed in adirection indicated by an arrow XXVIII in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the solid electrolytic capacitor shown inFIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a first variation of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a second variation of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a third variation of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a first variation of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a second variation of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a third variation of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is another cross-sectional view for explaining a manufacturingprocess of the solid electrolytic capacitor according to the seventhembodiment;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a first variation of the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a second variation of the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a third variation of the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, including anenlarged fragmentary view thereof;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XLIV-XLIV in FIG.43, including an enlarged fragmentary view thereof;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a manufacturing processof the solid electrolytic capacitor according to the eighth embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 46 is another cross-sectional view for explaining a manufacturingprocess of the solid electrolytic capacitor according to the eighthembodiment;

FIG. 47 is still another cross-sectional view for explaining amanufacturing process of the solid electrolytic capacitor according tothe eighth embodiment;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a first variation of the eighth embodiment;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional vies taken along a line XLIX-XLIX in FIG.48, including enlarged fragmentary views thereof;

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a second variation of the eighth embodiment; and

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a third variation of the eighth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below referringto the drawings.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described referringto FIGS. 1 to FIG. 12B. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a solidelectrolytic capacitor according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 shows thesolid electrolytic capacitor of FIG. 1, viewed in a direction indicatedby an arrow II in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A and 3B are enlarged cross-sectionalviews of circled portions α1 and β1 in FIG. 1, respectively. FIGS. 3Aand 3B are schematically drawn for easier understanding of thedescription.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A1 shown in these drawings includes acapacitor element 1, a conductive adhesion layer 2, a resin package 3, apillow electrode 4, an anode mounting terminal 51, and a cathodemounting terminal 52. In use, the solid electrolytic capacitor A1 issurface-mounted, for example, on a circuit substrate S1 a. The solidelectrolytic capacitor A1 has, for example, a height of 0.8 mm, a widthof 1.6 mm, and a depth of 0.85 mm, as in the position shown in FIG. 1.

The capacitor element 1 includes a porous sintered body 11, an anodewire 12, a dielectric layer 13 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), an insulatinglayer 14, a solid electrolyte layer 15, and a conductive layer 16. Theporous sintered body 11 is of a rectangular solid shape, and made of avalve metal such as tantalum or niobium. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B,the porous sintered body 11 includes a multitude of pores 18. The poroussintered body 11 includes a surface 11 a oriented in a direction x, asurface 11 c oriented in an opposite direction of the x-direction, andfour surfaces 11 b each connected to both of the surface 11 a and thesurface 11 c (FIG. 1 shows only two of the surfaces 11 b). The surfaces11 a, 11 b, and 11 c are of a rectangular shape. The anode wire 12 ismade of a valve metal such as tantalum or niobium. The anode wire 12sticks out from the surface 11 a of the porous sintered body 11, in thex-direction. The anode wire 12 has a diameter of, for example, 0.15 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the dielectric layer 13 is provided on theporous sintered body 11. The dielectric layer 13 is made of an oxide ofthe valve metal constituting the porous sintered body 11. Examples ofthe oxide of the valve metal include tantalum pentoxide and niobiumpentoxide.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the insulating layer 14 covers the poroussintered body 11 and the anode wire 12. The insulating layer 14 is madeof a fluorine resin. In this embodiment, the fluorine resin onlycontains at least one selected from the group consisting ofpolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkylvinylether copolymer (PFA),fluorinated ethylene polypropylene copolymer (FEP),tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (ETFE), and polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF). The insulating layer 14 serves to suppress the upwardspreading of a solution that is to form the solid electrolyte layer 15,along the anode wire 12.

As is apparent from an enlarged fragmentary view in FIG. 1 and from FIG.2, the insulating layer 14 includes a first film portion 141 and asecond film portion 142. As will be subsequently described, theinsulating layer 14 is formed by melting a resin material containingfluorine (granular particles made of the fluorine resin). The first filmportion 141 is pierced with the anode wire 12, and is in close contactwith an entire circumference of the anode wire 12. The first filmportion 141 extends along the surface 11 a of the porous sintered body11. The first film portion 141 is not provided in the vicinity of aperiphery of the surface 11 a, but only in a region of the surface 11 aclose to the anode wire 12. The first film portion 141 includes a flatsurface 141 a oriented in the x-direction. The surface 141 a isuniformly spaced from the surface 11 a, over the entirety of the surface141 a. In other words, the first film portion 141 has a uniformthickness L1 a over the entirety thereof. The thickness L1 a is, forexample, 50 μm or less, and in this embodiment the thickness L1 a is 2μm to 4 μm. It is preferable that the thickness L1 a is smaller, becausethus the volume of the capacitor element 1 can be increased. As shown inFIG. 3A, part of the first film portion 141 may be formed in pores 18.In such a state, the first film portion 141 may be described as beingformed into the porous sintered body 11. It should be noted, however,that the thickness L1 a here is defined as the distance between thesurface 11 a (forward portion of the porous sintered body 11 in thex-direction) and the surface 141 a.

As is apparent from the enlarged fragmentary view in FIG. 1, the secondfilm portion 142 extends in the x-direction from the first film portion141. As shown in FIG. 2, the second film portion 142 covers the anodewire 12, and is in close contact with an entire circumferential surfaceof the anode wire 12. As shown in the enlarged fragmentary view in FIG.1, the second film portion 142 includes a surface 142 a oriented outwardin a radial direction of the anode wire 12. The surface 142 a isuniformly spaced from the surface of the anode wire 12, over theentirety of the surface 142 a. In other words, the second film portion142 has a uniform thickness L1 b over the entirety thereof. Thethickness L1 b is, for example, 50 μm or less, and in this embodimentthe thickness L1 b is 2 μm to 4 μm. The thickness L1 b herein referredto is defined as a distance between the surface of the anode wire 12 andthe surface 142 a. The thickness L1 b of the second film portion 142 maybe equal to the thickness L1 a of the first film portion 141.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the solid electrolyte layer 15 is provided on thedielectric layer 13. A part of the solid electrolyte layer 15 is locatedin the pores 18. As shown in

FIG. 1, another part of the solid electrolyte layer 15 is provided onthe surfaces 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c of the porous sintered body 11. Thesolid electrolyte layer 15 is not provided in a region of the surface 11a close to the anode wire 12, but only in the vicinity of a periphery ofthe surface 11 a. The solid electrolyte layer 15 is in close contactwith the first film portion 141. As shown in FIG. 2, the solidelectrolyte layer 15 is disposed so as to surround the first filmportion 141, on the surface 11 a.

Referring to FIG. 1, the solid electrolyte layer 15 includes a portionelevated in the x-direction with respect to the first film portion 141.A maximum thickness L1 c of the elevated portion of the solidelectrolyte layer 15 (see FIG. 3B) is, for example, 2 μm to 100 μm.Although a part of the solid electrolyte layer 15 is located in thepores 18 as stated above, the maximum thickness L1 c herein referred tois defined as a distance in the x-direction between the surface 11 a(forwardmost portion of the porous sintered body 11 in the x-direction)and a most elevated portion of the solid electrolyte layer 15. The solidelectrolyte layer 15 is made of, for example, manganese dioxide or aconductive polymer. When the solid electrolytic capacitor A1 is put topractical use, electric charge is stored in an interface between thesolid electrolyte layer 15 and the dielectric layer 13.

The conductive layer 16 covers the solid electrolyte layer 15, and iselectrically connected thereto. The conductive layer 16 has a layeredstructure including, for example, a graphite layer and a silver layer.

The conductive adhesion layer 2 is made of, for example, silver paste.The resin package 3 is made of, for example, an epoxy resin. The resinpackage 3 serves to protect the capacitor element 1.

The pillow electrode 4 serves to support the anode wire 12 in a processof attaching the anode mounting terminal 51 and the cathode mountingterminal 52 (to be described later) to the capacitor element 1. Thepillow electrode 4 extends in a direction intersecting with thex-direction, for example in a vertical direction in FIG. 1 as in thisembodiment. The pillow electrode 4 is connected to a portion of theanode wire 12 spaced from the second film portion 142, and electricallyconnected with the anode wire 12. The pillow electrode 4 is made of, forexample, a Ni—Fe alloy such as a 42 alloy, plated with copper.

The anode mounting terminal 51 and the cathode mounting terminal 52 areutilized for mounting the solid electrolytic capacitor A1 on the circuitsubstrate S1 a. The anode mounting terminal 51 and the cathode mountingterminal 52 are both made of, for example, a Ni—Fe alloy such as a 42alloy, plated with copper.

The anode mounting terminal 51 serves to support the pillow electrode 4,and is electrically connected to the anode wire 12 through the pillowelectrode 4. A portion of the anode mounting terminal 51 is exposed fromthe resin package 3. The portion of the anode mounting terminal 51exposed from the resin package 3 constitutes a mounting surface 513 formounting the solid electrolytic capacitor A1 on the circuit substrate S1a. The solid electrolytic capacitor A1 can be mounted on the circuitsubstrate S1 a by bonding the mounting surface 513 to the circuitsubstrate S1 a by means of a solder 89.

The anode mounting terminal 51 includes a thicker portion 511 and athinner portion 512 having a smaller thickness (size in a verticaldirection in FIG. 1) than the thicker portion 511. A surface of thethicker portion 511 on an opposite side of the mounting surface 513serves as a supporting surface 514 that supports the pillow electrode 4.The supporting surface 514 is parallel to the mounting surface 513. Thethicker portion 511 includes a fillet portion 511 a formed at a frontend portion thereof in the x-direction, and recessed from the mountingsurface 513 toward the supporting surface 514. Accordingly, a portion ofthe solder 89 bonding the mounting surface 513 and the circuit substrateS1 a constitutes a solder fillet.

The thinner portion 512 serves to prevent the anode mounting terminal 51from contacting the conductive layer 16 or the solid electrolyte layer15. A surface of the thinner portion 512 on the opposite side of themounting surface 513 constitutes a recessed surface 515. The recessedsurface 515 is parallel to the mounting surface 513. The recessedsurface 515 is located on an end portion of the anode mounting terminal51 opposite the fillet portion 511 a in the x-direction. Since therecessed surface 515 is included in the thinner portion 512, a distancebetween the recessed surface 515 and the mounting surface 513 is smallerthan a distance between the supporting surface 514 and the mountingsurface 513. It is not mandatory that the recessed surface 515 isparallel to the mounting surface 513, but the recessed surface 515 maybe formed in a slope so as to get closer to the mounting surface 513 ata position farther away from supporting surface 514 in the x-direction.In this embodiment, the recessed surface 515 is connected to thesupporting surface 514 through a rising surface 516. The rising surface516 is vertical with respect to the recessed surface 515, and extendsfrom the recessed surface 515 to the supporting surface 514.

The cathode mounting terminal 52 is electrically connected to the solidelectrolyte layer 15 through the conductive adhesion layer 2 and theconductive layer 16. A portion of the cathode mounting terminal 52 isexposed from the resin package 3. The portion of the cathode mountingterminal 52 exposed from the resin package 3 constitutes a mountingsurface 523 for mounting the solid electrolytic capacitor A1 on thecircuit substrate S1 a. The solid electrolytic capacitor A1 can bemounted on the circuit substrate S1 a by bonding the mounting surface523 to the circuit substrate S1 a by means of the solder 89. Forming themounting surface 523 and the mounting surface 513 in an equal area isadvantageous for self alignment. The cathode mounting terminal 52includes a fillet portion 52 a as that of the anode mounting terminal51, formed at a rear end portion of the cathode mounting terminal 52 inthe x-direction. It is preferable to form a surface of the cathodemounting terminal 52 on the opposite side of the mounting surface 523 ina larger area, from the viewpoint of improving an equivalent seriesresistance (ESR).

Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 10, a method of manufacturing the solidelectrolytic capacitor A1 will be described. To start with, amanufacturing method of the capacitor element 1 will be described. FIG.4 shows a flow of the manufacturing process of the capacitor element 1.

First, a step S1 is performed in which a porous sintered body 11′ shownin FIG. 5A is formed. In the step S1, fine powder of a valve metal suchas tantalum or niobium is press-formed, with a portion of an anode wire12′ inserted therein. The compact obtained by the press-forming processis subjected to a sintering process. Through the sintering process, thefine powder of the valve metal is combined and the porous sintered body11′ containing a multitude of pores is obtained.

Referring then to FIGS. 5A to 8, a step S2 is performed in which theinsulating layer 14 (see FIG. 8) is formed. The step S2 includes a step21 of depositing the plurality of granular particles 81 made of afluorine resin to the anode wire 12′ (FIGS. 5A to 7), and a step S22 ofmelting the plurality of granular particles 81 (FIG. 8). In thisembodiment, the plurality of granular particles 81 is also deposited tothe porous sintered body 11′, at the same time as performing the stepS21. Details of such a process are as described below. Here, theplurality of granular particles 81 exemplifies the resin material.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, aqueous dispersion 8 is retained by aretention member 88 at a branched front end portion thereof, in the stepS21 of depositing the granular particles 81 to the anode wire 12′. Theaqueous dispersion 8 can be obtained by stabilizing the granularparticles 81 with a surfactant.

Then the retention member 88 is brought close to the anode wire 12′ asindicated by imaginary lines in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and the branchedportion of the retention member 88 is fitted to a portion of the anodewire 12′ close to the porous sintered body 11′. As a result, the aqueousdispersion 8 retained by the retention member 88 is deposited to theanode wire 12′ and the porous sintered body 11′. In this process, theaqueous dispersion 8 porous may be unevenly deposited to the sinteredbody 11′. Also, the spreading action of the aqueous dispersion 8 overthe porous sintered body 11′ varies depending on the surface conditionthereof. Accordingly, the first film portion 141 is prone to assume astate shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D to be subsequently described.

Proceeding to FIG. 6, the retention member 88 is moved away from theanode wire 12′. At this stage, the aqueous dispersion 8 becomesdeposited to the anode wire 12′ and the porous sintered body 11′. Thenas shown in FIG. 7, in several seconds after applying the aqueousdispersion 8 to the porous sintered body 11′ and the anode wire 12′,liquid component in the aqueous dispersion 8 infiltrates into the poroussintered body 11′. As a result, the granular particles 81 remaindeposited to the porous sintered body 11′ and the anode wire 12′. In thestep S21, the plurality of granular particles 81 is thus deposited tothe anode wire 12′.

In this embodiment, for example an article No. D-210C of PTFE D-series(manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd.) may be employed as the aqueousdispersion 8. In the case of employing such aqueous dispersion 8,parameters may be specified as follows. The mass of the aqueousdispersion 8 to be applied to the anode wire 12′ and the porous sinteredbody 11′ may be approximately 0.2 g. The concentration of the granularparticles 81 with respect to the aqueous dispersion 8 may beapproximately 60 mass %. The particle diameter of the granular particles81 may be, for example, 0.15 μm to 0.30 μm. The concentration of thesurfactant with respect to the aqueous dispersion 8 may be approximately6 mass %/p. The viscosity of the aqueous dispersion 8 may be 15 to 35(cp, 25° C.). The specific weight aqueous dispersion 8 may be 1.51 to1.54 (25° C.). The pH of the aqueous dispersion 8 may be 9 to 10.

Suitable examples of the aqueous dispersion 8 include the articles No.D-1E, No. D-311, and No. ND-110 of the PTFE D-series (manufactured byDaikin Industries, Ltd.).

Referring now to FIG. 8, the granular particles 81 are molten by heat ina step S22. Melting the granular particles 81 leads to formation of theinsulating layer 14. The step S22 may be performed, for example, in aheating furnace at a temperature higher than the melting point of thegranular particles 81. In the case where the granular particles 81 arePTFE, the melting point of the granular particles 81 is 327° C. andhence it is preferable to set the heating furnace at approximately 340°C. in the step S22. In the case where the granular particles 81 are PFA,the melting point of the granular particles 81 is 304 to 310° C. andhence it is preferable to set the heating furnace at approximately 340°C. in the step S22. In the case where the granular particles 81 are FEP,the melting point of the granular particles 81 is 280° C. and hence itis preferable to set the heating furnace at approximately 300° C. in thestep S22.

In the step S22, it is preferable to heat the anode wire 12 for a shorttime, to prevent oxidation of the anode wire 12. It is preferable toemploy heat blocks that hold the granular particles 81 and the poroussintered body 11′ therebetween when melting the granular particles 81 inthe step S22. Such an arrangement allows the granular particles 81 to bemolten without applying much heat to the anode wire 81.

In this embodiment, the insulating layer 14 is provided on the poroussintered body 11′ and the anode wire 12′. A portion of the insulatinglayer 14 formed on the porous sintered body 11′ constitutes the firstfilm portion 141. Another portion of the insulating layer 14 formed onthe anode wire 12′ constitutes the second film portion 142. Theinsulating layer 14 is formed by melting the granular particles 81.Accordingly, the first film portion 141 and the second film portion 142are formed in close contact with the anode wire 12′. Also, the moltenresin may slightly intrude into the porous sintered body 11′ uponmelting the granular particles 81. Accordingly, a part of the first filmportion 141 may be formed inside the pores in the porous sintered body11′.

Here, the step S2 of forming the insulating layer 14 may be repeated,for increasing the thickness thereof. On the contrary, in order to makethe insulating layer 14 thinner, the aqueous dispersion 8 may be dilutedby water and applied to the anode wire 12′, in the step S21.

The foregoing is followed by a step S3, in which the dielectric layer 13is formed. The step S3 includes oxidizing the anode, with the poroussintered body 11′ soaked in, for example, aqueous solution of phosphoricacid.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a step S4 is performed in which the solidelectrolyte layer 15 is formed. In the step S4, the porous sintered body11 with the dielectric layer 13 formed thereon is soaked in aqueoussolution 87. The aqueous solution 87 may be manganese nitrate aqueoussolution or conductive polymer aqueous solution, for example. It ispreferable that the porous sintered body 11 is soaked in the aqueoussolution 87 such that the surface of the aqueous solution 87 does notsurpass the insulating layer 14. Because of the surface tension of theaqueous solution 87 with respect to the insulating layer 14, the aqueoussolution 87 does not stick to the insulating layer 14. Even though theaqueous solution 87 temporarily sticks to the insulating layer 14, theaqueous solution 87 flows off from the insulating layer 14 when laterthe porous sintered body 11 is taken out from the aqueous solution 87.The porous sintered body 11 is subjected to a sintering process, afterbeing taken out from the aqueous solution 87. Repeating the steps ofsoaking the porous sintered body 11 in the aqueous solution 87 and thensintering the porous sintered body 11 leads to formation of the solidelectrolyte layer 15.

FIGS. 11A to 11D are scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of thecapacitor element that has undergone the step S4 of forming the solidelectrolyte layer 15.

As shown in these drawings, the solid electrolyte layer 15 is formed soas to surround the first film portion 141. The periphery of the firstfilm portion 141 presents a distorted shape, not circular. In otherwords, the first film portion 141 is of an asymmetrical shape withrespect to a line (not shown) passing the anode wire 12, when viewed inthe x-direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 11D, the periphery of the firstfilm portion includes a proximal portion 141 n and a distal portion 141m. A distance between the proximal portion 141 n and the anode wire 12is smaller than a distance between the distal portion 141 m and theanode wire 12. The periphery of the first film portion 141 may be formedin a circular shape, though not shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D. The secondfilm portion 142 of the capacitor element shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D isdifferent in size in the x-direction, from the second film portion 142shown in FIG. 1. The size of the second film portion 142 in thex-direction can be controlled as desired by adjusting the amount of theaqueous dispersion 8 applied to the anode wire 12′ in the step S2.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a step S5 is performed in which the conductivelayer 16, for example made of a graphite layer and a silver layer, isformed. Through the foregoing steps S1 to S5, the capacitor element 1can be obtained.

Thereafter, the conductive layer 16 and the cathode mounting terminal 52are bonded by means of the conductive adhesion layer 2. Also, the pillowelectrode 4 and the anode mounting terminal 51 are connected to theanode wire 12, for example by welding. Then the resin package 3 isformed by molding so as to cover the capacitor element 1. The solidelectrolytic capacitor A1 shown in FIG. 1 can thus be obtained.

Advantages of this embodiment will now be described hereunder.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A1, the insulating layer 14 isformed by melting the granular particles 81. Such a method assures thatthe insulating layer 14 achieves close contact with the anode wire 12.Accordingly, in the step S4 of forming the solid electrolyte layer 15,the aqueous solution 87 can be suppressed from spreading up throughbetween the anode wire 12 and the insulating layer 14 due to capillaryaction.

Conventionally, a washer formed by perforating a plate made of aninsulating resin is employed for preventing the upward spreading of theaqueous solution 87. Such an arrangement may provoke a drawback in thatthe washer cannot be properly fitted to the anode wire 12. In the solidelectrolytic capacitor A1 according to this embodiment, however, theinsulating layer 14 is formed by melting the granular particles 81,which eliminates the need to employ the washer for preventing the upwardspreading of the aqueous solution 87. Thus, the solid electrolyticcapacitor A1 can avoid the foregoing drawback arising from employing thewasher.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are SEM images of a conventional element with thewasher, shown as comparative examples with respect to FIGS. 11A to 11D.

As stated earlier, the diameter of the granular particles 81 is 0.15 μmto 0.30 μm. Such a size is far smaller than the thickness of aconventionally employed washer 97 (see FIGS. 12A and 12B), which isapproximately 150 μm. Accordingly, in comparison with employing thewasher, the method of melting the granular particles 81 thereby formingthe first film portion 141 according to this embodiment is advantageousfor reducing the thickness L1 a of the first film portion 141. Reducingthe thickness L1 a of the first film portion 141 allows the poroussintered body 11 to be made larger in the x-direction, while maintainingthe overall size of the solid electrolytic capacitor A1 in thex-direction. The manufacturing method according to this embodiment is,therefore, advantageous for increasing the capacitance of the solidelectrolytic capacitor A1. Conversely, reducing the thickness L1 a ofthe first film portion 141 allows the solid electrolytic capacitor A1 tobe made smaller in the x-direction, while maintaining the capacitance ofthe solid electrolytic capacitor A1. The manufacturing method accordingto this embodiment is, therefore, advantageous for reducing the size ofthe solid electrolytic capacitor A1.

In this embodiment, the step S21 of depositing the granular particles 81to the anode wire 12′ is performed through applying the aqueousdispersion 8 to the anode wire 12′ and the porous sintered body 11′. Thegranular particles 81 are dispersed in the aqueous dispersion 8.Therefore, the method according to this embodiment is advantageous fordepositing the granular particles 81 to the anode wire 12′ in thedispersed state.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a first variation of the firstembodiment will be described hereunder. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectionalview of a solid electrolytic capacitor according to this variation.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A11 shown in FIG. 13 is different fromthe solid electrolytic capacitor A1 in that the size of the second filmportion 142 in the x-direction is larger than the size of the secondfilm portion 142 of the solid electrolytic capacitor A1 in thex-direction.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A11, the pillow electrode 4 isdisposed in contact with the second film portion 142. The second filmportion 142 includes an opening 142 b. The pillow electrode 4 isconnected to a portion of the anode wire 12 exposed through the opening142 b.

To manufacture the solid electrolytic capacitor A11, the steps S1 to S5are performed as in the case of manufacturing the solid electrolyticcapacitor A1, to form the capacitor element 1 shown in FIG. 14. In thisvariation, the second film portion 142 is also provided on a portion ofthe anode wire 12′ relatively spaced from the porous sintered body 11′.

Then the same process as that for forming the solid electrolyticcapacitor A1 is performed, so that the solid electrolytic capacitor A11shown in FIG. 13 can be obtained. In this variation, a portion of thesecond film portion 142 is cut away so as to form the opening 142 b, inthe welding process to bond the pillow electrode 4 to the anode wire 12.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a second variation of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is aleft side view of the solid electrolytic capacitor shown in FIG. 15. Thesolid electrolytic capacitor A12 shown in these drawings is differentfrom the solid electrolytic capacitor A11 in that the anode wire 12, thesecond film portion 142, and the pillow electrode 4 are exposed from theresin package 3. A facet 12 a of the anode wire 12, a facet 142 c of thesecond film portion 142, a facet 4 a of the pillow electrode 4, and afacet 3 a of the resin package 3 are flush with each other. The solidelectrolytic capacitor A12 thus configured can be obtained by cuttingalong a cutting line CL1.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a third variation of the first embodiment. The solidelectrolytic capacitor A13 shown in FIG. 17 is different from the solidelectrolytic capacitor A1 in further including an insulating layer 518formed on the recessed surface 515 and the rising surface 516. Such aconfiguration allows the anode mounting terminal 51 to be prevented fromcontacting the conductive layer 16 or the solid electrolyte layer 15,and from being thus electrically connected thereto. The structureincluding the insulating layer 518 according to this variation is alsoapplicable to the solid electrolytic capacitors A11 and A12.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a solid electrolytic capacitor according to afourth variation of the first embodiment. The solid electrolyticcapacitor A14 shown in FIG. 18 is different from the solid electrolyticcapacitor A12 in that the pillow electrode 4 is of a trapezoidal shapehaving a width decreasing toward the anode wire 12. With such aconfiguration, a greater amount of current is supplied to the narrowerportion of the pillow electrode 4 in the process of welding the pillowelectrode 4 to the anode wire 12, and hence higher heating efficiency isattained. Accordingly, in the process of bonding the pillow electrode 4to the anode wire 12 by welding, a portion of the pillow electrode 4closer to the anode wire 12 can be more readily molten. Therefore, theconfiguration according to this variation facilitates the anode wire 12and the pillow electrode 4 to be more efficiently bonded by welding.

Hereafter, further embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed. For the description of the following embodiments,constituents that are the same as or similar to those of the firstembodiment will be given the same numeral, and the description thereofwill not be repeated.

Second Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 23, a second embodiment of the presentinvention will be described. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of asolid electrolytic capacitor according to this embodiment.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A2 shown therein is different from thesolid electrolytic capacitor A1 essentially in that the insulating layer14 is not provided on the porous sintered body 11, but only on a portionof the anode wire 12 spaced from the porous sintered body 11. Thestructure of the solid electrolytic capacitor A2 is the same as that ofthe solid electrolytic capacitor A1, except for the insulating layer 14and the solid electrolyte layer 15. In the following passages,description of the structure same as that of the solid electrolyticcapacitor A1 will not be repeated.

The insulating layer 14 is spaced from the porous sintered body 11 andextends in the x-direction. The insulating layer 14 covers the anodewire 12, and is in close contact with the anode wire 12 over the entirecircumferential surface thereof. The insulating layer 14 includes asurface 14 a oriented outward in a radial direction of the anode wire12. The surface 14 a is uniformly spaced from the surface of the anodewire 12, over the entirety of the surface 14 a. In other words, theinsulating layer 14 has a uniform thickness L1 d over the entiretythereof. The thickness L1 d may be, for example, 50 μm or less, and is 2μm to 4 μm in this embodiment. The thickness L1 d herein referred to isdefined as a distance between the surface of the anode wire 12 and thesurface 14 a.

The solid electrolyte layer 15 is provided also on the anode wire 12, inaddition to the pores, as well as the surfaces 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c ofthe porous sintered body 11. The solid electrolyte layer 15 covers theentirety of the surface 11 a.

As shown in an enlarged fragmentary view in FIG. 19, the solidelectrolyte layer 15 includes a portion elevated from the insulatinglayer 14 in a radial direction of the anode wire 12. A maximum thicknessL1 e of such an elevated portion of the solid electrolyte layer 15 is,for example, 10 μm to 100 μm. The maximum thickness L1 e herein referredto is defined as a distance in the radial direction between the surfaceof the anode wire 12 and a most elevated portion of the solidelectrolyte layer 15.

Referring to FIGS. 20 to 23, a method of manufacturing the solidelectrolytic capacitor A2 will be described. In this embodiment also,the steps S1 to S5 are performed as in the first embodiment.

First, the step S1 is performed in which the porous sintered body 11′shown in FIG. 20 is formed.

Referring then to FIGS. 20 to 22, the step S2 is performed in which theinsulating layer 14 (see FIG. 22) is formed. In this embodiment, theaqueous dispersion 8 is applied only to the anode wire 12′ as shown inFIG. 20. As a result, the plurality of granular particles 81 isdeposited only to the anode wire 12′, and not to the porous sinteredbody 11′, as shown in FIG. 21. The step S21 is thus performed fordepositing the granular particles 81 to the anode wire 12′. Then thestep S22 is performed in which the granular particles 81 are heated thusto be molten, as shown in FIG. 22. At this stage, the insulating layer14 is formed.

The foregoing is followed by the step S3 in which the dielectric layer13 is formed. The step S3 of forming the dielectric layer 13 includes,for example, oxidizing the anode with the porous sintered body 11′soaked in a phosphoric acid aqueous solution.

Referring now to FIG. 23, the step S4 is performed in which the solidelectrolyte layer 15 is formed. In the step S4, the porous sintered body11 with the dielectric layer 13 formed thereon is soaked in the aqueoussolution 87. It is preferable that the porous sintered body 11 is soakedin the aqueous solution 87 such that the surface of the aqueous solution87 does not surpass the insulating layer 14.

Thereafter, the step S5 is performed in which the conductive layer 16 isformed. Further, upon forming the pillow electrode 4, the anode mountingterminal 51, the cathode mounting terminal 52, and the resin package 3,the solid electrolytic capacitor A2 shown in FIG. 19 can be obtained.

Advantages of this embodiment will now be described hereunder.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A2, the insulating layer 14 isformed by melting the plurality of granular particles 81. Such a methodassures that the insulating layer 14 achieves close contact with theanode wire 12. Accordingly, in the step S4 of forming the solidelectrolyte layer 15, the aqueous solution 87 can be suppressed fromspreading up through between the anode wire 12 and the insulating layer14 due to capillary action.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A2 according to this embodiment, theinsulating layer 14 is formed by melting the granular particles 81,which eliminates the need to employ a washer for preventing the upwardspreading of the aqueous solution 87. Therefore, the solid electrolyticcapacitor A2 can avoid the drawback arising from employing the washer,described with reference to the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the step S21 of depositing the granular particles 81to the anode wire 12′ is performed through applying the aqueousdispersion 8 to the anode wire 12′. The granular particles 81 aredispersed in the aqueous dispersion 8. Therefore, the method accordingto this embodiment is advantageous for depositing the granular particles81 to the anode wire 12′ in the dispersed state.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a first variation of the second embodiment. The solidelectrolytic capacitor A21 shown therein is different from the solidelectrolytic capacitor A2 in the shape of the insulating layer 14.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A21, the pillow electrode 4 isdisposed in contact with the insulating layer 14. The insulating layer14 includes an opening 14 b. The pillow electrode 4 is connected to aportion of the anode wire 12 exposed through the opening 14 b.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a second variation of the second embodiment. The solidelectrolytic capacitor A22 shown therein is different from the solidelectrolytic capacitor A21 in that the anode wire 12, the insulatinglayer 14, and the pillow electrode 4 are exposed from the resin package3. The facet 12 a of the anode wire 12, a facet 14 c of the insulatinglayer 14, the facet 4 a of the pillow electrode 4, and the facet 3 a ofthe resin package 3 are flush with each other. The solid electrolyticcapacitor A22 thus configured can be obtained by cutting along a cuttingline CL2.

The structure including the insulating layer according to the thirdvariation of the first embodiment is also applicable to the solidelectrolytic capacitors A2, A21, and A22.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a third embodiment of the present invention. The solidelectrolytic capacitor A3 shown therein is different from the solidelectrolytic capacitor A1 according to the first embodiment, in that theanode wire 12 is not located at a center of the surface 11 a of theporous sintered body 11, but at a position deviated from the center ofthe surface 11 a.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A3 can be manufactured through the sameprocess as that for manufacturing the solid electrolytic capacitor A1.

Hereunder, advantages of this embodiment will be described.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A3, the insulating layer 14 isformed by melting the plurality of granular particles 81. Such a methodassures that the insulating layer 14 achieves close contact with theanode wire 12. Accordingly, in the step S4 of forming the solidelectrolyte layer 15, the aqueous solution 87 can be suppressed fromspreading up through between the anode wire 12 and the insulating layer14 due capillary action.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A3 according to this embodiment, theinsulating layer 14 is formed by melting the granular particles 81,which eliminates the need to employ a washer for preventing the upwardspreading of the aqueous solution 87. Thus, the solid electrolyticcapacitor A3 can avoid the drawback arising from employing the washer,as described with reference to the first embodiment.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A3 is advantageous for increasing thecapacitance and reducing the size thereof, for the same reason mentionedwith reference to the solid electrolytic capacitor A1.

Further, the solid electrolytic capacitor A3 allows a size L1 m of thepillow electrode 4 in a vertical direction in FIG. 26 to be madesmaller. Reducing the size L1 m makes it difficult for the pillowelectrode 4 to be deformed in the bonding process to the anode wire 12.Such a configuration of the solid electrolytic capacitor A3 suppressessuch a drawback that deformation of the pillow electrode 4 disables thepillow electrode 4 and the anode mounting terminal 51 to be properlyconnected.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A3 does not include a washer, which isa solid material. The insulating layer 14 in the solid electrolyticcapacitor A3 is formed utilizing the aqueous dispersion 8 which is aliquid. Accordingly, even in the case where the anode wire 12 is locatedat a position deviated from the center of the surface 11 a, there is noneed to modify a component such as the washer for forming the insulatinglayer 14. Consequently, the design of the solid electrolytic capacitorA3 can be modified without incurring an increase in manufacturing cost.

Here, the structure in which the anode wire 12 is located at a positiondeviated from the center of the surface 11 a according to thisembodiment is also applicable to the solid electrolytic capacitors A11,A12, A13, A2, A21, and A22.

Fourth Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 27 to 29, a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention will be described hereunder. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional viewof a solid electrolytic capacitor according to this embodiment. FIG. 28shows the solid electrolytic capacitor of FIG. 27, viewed in a directionindicated by an arrow XXVIII in FIG. 27. FIG. 29 is a bottom view of thesolid electrolytic capacitor shown in FIG. 27.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A4 shown in these drawings is differentfrom the solid electrolytic capacitor A1 essentially in not includingthe pillow electrode 4, and in that the anode mounting terminal 51 andthe cathode mounting terminal 52 each have an L-shaped cross-section.

The anode wire 12 is exposed from the resin package 3. The anode wire 12includes the facet 12 a exposed from the resin package 3.

The anode mounting terminal 51 includes the mounting surface 513 and afacet 517. The mounting surface 513 and the facet 517 are both exposedfrom the resin package 3. The mounting surface 513 and the facet 517 areof a rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 28, the facet 517 according tothis embodiment is of a trapezoidal shape. The facet 517 is flush withthe facet 12 a of the anode wire 12. The anode mounting terminal 51 isformed by bending a single piece of plate-shaped member having a platedsurface. Accordingly, the mounting surface 513 and the facet 517 areboth plated. Such a structure allows the solder 89 to be stuck to boththe mounting surface 513 and the facet 517 for bonding to the circuitsubstrate S1 a, in the process of mounting thereon the solidelectrolytic capacitor A4. Therefore, the solder fillet that provideshigh visibility can be obtained.

The cathode mounting terminal 52 includes the mounting surface 523 and afacet 527. The mounting surface 523 and the facet 527 are exposed fromthe resin package 3. The mounting surface 523 and the facet 527 are of arectangular shape. The cathode mounting terminal 52 is formed, as theanode mounting terminal 51, by bending a single piece of plate-shapedmember having a plated surface. Accordingly, the mounting surface 523and the facet 527 are both plated, for example with copper. Such astructure allows the solder 89 to be stuck to both the mounting surface523 and the facet 527 for bonding to the circuit substrate S1 a, in theprocess of mounting thereon the solid electrolytic capacitor A4.Therefore, the solder fillet that provides high visibility can beobtained.

Hereunder, advantages of this embodiment will be described.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A4, the insulating layer 14 isformed by melting the plurality of granular particles 81. Such a methodassures that the insulating layer 14 achieves close contact with theanode wire 12. Accordingly, in the step S4 of forming the solidelectrolyte layer 15, the aqueous solution 87 can be suppressed fromspreading up through between the anode wire 12 and the insulating layer14 due to capillary action.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A4 according to this embodiment, theinsulating layer 14 is formed by melting the granular particles 81,which eliminates the need to employ a washer for preventing the upwardspreading of the aqueous solution 87. Thus, the solid electrolyticcapacitor A4 can avoid the drawback arising from employing the washer,as described with reference to the first embodiment.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A4 is advantageous for increasing thecapacitance and reducing the size thereof, for the same reason mentionedwith reference to the solid electrolytic capacitor A1.

FIGS. 30 to 32 are cross-sectional views respectively showing variationsof the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The solidelectrolytic capacitors A41, A42, and A43 shown in these drawingscorrespond to the foregoing solid electrolytic capacitors A12, A2, andA22, respectively. The solid electrolytic capacitors A41, A42, and A43are generally the same as the solid electrolytic capacitors A12, A2, andA22 except that the anode mounting terminal 51, not the pillow electrode4, is connected to the anode wire 12. Accordingly, description of thesevariations of this embodiment will be omitted.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The solidelectrolytic capacitor A5 shown therein is different from the solidelectrolytic capacitor A4 in the shape of the anode mounting terminal 51and the cathode mounting terminal 52.

In this embodiment also, the anode mounting terminal 51 is connected tothe anode wire 12. The anode mounting terminal 51 includes the mountingsurface 513, exposed surfaces 519 b, 519 c, and a facet 519 d. Themounting surface 513 extends in the x-direction. The exposed surface 519b extends from the mounting surface 513, and oriented in thex-direction. The exposed surface 519 c extends from the exposed surface519 b in the x-direction. The facet 519 d extends from the exposedsurface 519 c, and is flush with the facet 12 a of the anode wire 12.The cathode mounting terminal 52 has the same shape as the anodemounting terminal 51.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A5 thus configured can be obtained bycutting along a cutting line CL3. Also, the anode mounting terminal 51is formed by bending a single piece of plate-shaped member having aplated surface. Accordingly, the mounting surface 513 and the exposedsurface 519 b, 519 c are plated, for example with copper. Such astructure allows the solder 89 to be stuck to the exposed surface 519 b,519 c in addition to the mounting surface 513, for bonding to thecircuit substrate S1 a, in the process of mounting thereon the solidelectrolytic capacitor A5. Therefore, the solder fillet that provideshigh visibility can be formed on the anode mounting terminal 51. For thesame reason, such highly visible solder fillet can also be formed on thecathode mounting terminal 52.

Hereunder, advantages of this embodiment will be described.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A5, the insulating layer 14 isformed by melting the plurality of granular particles 81. Such a methodassures that the insulating layer 14 achieves close contact with theanode wire 12. Accordingly, in the step S4 of forming the solidelectrolyte layer 15, the aqueous solution 87 can be suppressed fromspeading up through between the anode wire 12 and the insulating layer14 due to capillary action.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A5 according to this embodiment, theinsulating layer 14 is formed by melting the granular particles 81,which eliminates the need to employ a washer for preventing the upwardspreading of the aqueous solution 87. Thus, the solid electrolyticcapacitor A5 can avoid the drawback arising from employing the washer,as described with reference to the first embodiment.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A5 is advantageous for increasing thecapacitance and reducing the size thereof, for the same reason mentionedwith reference to the solid electrolytic capacitor A1.

FIGS. 34 to 36 are cross-sectional views respectively showing variationsof the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The solid electrolyticcapacitors A51, A52, and A53 shown in these drawings correspond to theforegoing solid electrolytic capacitors A12, A2, and A22, respectively.The solid electrolytic capacitors A51, A52, and A53 are generally thesame as the solid electrolytic capacitors A12, A2, and A22 except thatthe anode mounting terminal 51, not the pillow electrode 4, is connectedto the anode wire 12. Accordingly, description of these variations ofthis embodiment will be omitted.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A6 shown therein is different from thesolid electrolytic capacitor A1 according to the first embodimentessentially in not including the anode mounting terminal 51 and thecathode mounting terminal 52, and in including a printed circuit board6. Here, the anode wire 12 of the solid electrolytic capacitor A6 is notlocated at the center of the surface 11 a of the porous sintered body11, but at a position deviated from the center thereof.

The printed circuit board 6 includes a base member 61, a surface anodelayer 62, a surface cathode layer 63, a mounting anode layer 64, amounting cathode layer 65, and through hole electrodes 66, 67.

The base member 61 is made of, for example, a glass epoxy resin. Thebase member 61 includes a first surface 611 oriented to the anode wire12, and a second surface 612 on the opposite side of the first surface611. The base member 61 includes a stepped portion 617. The steppedportion 617 is recessed from the second surface 612 toward the firstsurface 611, at a front end portion of the second surface 612 in thex-direction.

A material that constitutes the surface anode layer 62, the surfacecathode layer 63, the mounting anode layer 64, and the mounting cathodelayer 65 may be selected from conductive materials such as Cu, Au, Ag,Al, and Ni.

The surface anode layer 62 and the surface cathode layer 63 are bothprovided on the first surface 611. In this embodiment, the surface anodelayer 62 supports the pillow electrode 4. Accordingly, the surface anodelayer 62 is electrically connected to the anode wire 12 through thepillow electrode 4.

The surface cathode layer 63 is bonded to the conductive layer 16 bymeans of the conductive adhesion layer 2. Accordingly, the surfacecathode layer 63 is electrically connected to the conductive layer 16and the solid electrolyte layer 15 through the conductive adhesion layer2. The surface cathode layer 63 is provided over a majority of the firstsurface 611. Such a configuration is advantageous for improving ESR.

The mounting anode layer 64 and the mounting cathode layer 65 areprovided on the second surface 612. The mounting anode layer 64 iselectrically connected to the surface anode layer 62 through the throughhole electrode 66 formed in the base member 61. Accordingly, themounting anode layer 64 is electrically connected to the anode wire 12.The mounting cathode layer 65 is electrically connected to the surfacecathode layer 63 through hole electrode 67 formed in the base member 61.Accordingly, the mounting cathode layer 65 is electrically connected tothe conductive layer 16 and the solid electrolyte layer 15. Upon bondingthe mounting anode layer 64 and the mounting cathode layer 65 to thecircuit substrate S1 a by means of the solder 89, the solid electrolyticcapacitor A6 is mounted on the circuit substrate S1 a.

Hereunder, advantages of this embodiment will be described.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A6, the insulating layer 14 isformed by melting the plurality of granular particles 81. Such a methodassures that the insulating layer 14 achieves close contact with theanode wire 12. Accordingly, in the step S4 of forming the solidelectrolyte layer 15, the aqueous solution 87 can be suppressed fromspeading up through between the anode wire 12 and the insulating layer14 due to capillary action.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A6 according to this embodiment, theinsulating layer 14 is formed by melting the granular particles 81,which eliminates the need to employ a washer for preventing the upwardspreading of the aqueous solution 87. Thus, the solid electrolyticcapacitor A6 can avoid the drawback arising from employing the washer,as described with reference to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 37, in the process of mounting the solid electrolyticcapacitor A6 on the circuit substrate S1 a, the solder 89 is not stuckto the base member 61, but only to the mounting anode layer 64 and themounting cathode layer 65. Also, the base member 61 includes the steppedportion 617. Accordingly, a solder fillet can be formed in a regionoverlapping the base member 61 and the resin package 3 in thex-direction, in the solid electrolytic capacitor A6. Such aconfiguration contributes to improving adhesion of the solidelectrolytic capacitor A6 to the circuit substrate S1 a. Further, thesolid electrolytic capacitor A6 is advantageous for increasing thecapacitance and reducing the size thereof, for the same reason mentionedwith reference to the solid electrolytic capacitor A1. Therefore, thesolid electrolytic capacitor A6 contributes to reducing the size of anelectronic device in which it is incorporated.

The configuration of the solid electrolytic capacitor A6 is alsoapplicable to the foregoing solid electrolytic capacitors A11, A12, A2,A21, and A22.

Seventh Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention will be described. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of asolid electrolytic capacitor according to this embodiment.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A7 shown therein includes the capacitorelement 1, the conductive adhesion layer 2, the resin package 3, a basemember 71, a mounting anode layer 72, a mounting cathode layer 73, alateral anode layer 74, and a lateral cathode layer 75. The structure ofthe capacitor element 1 and the conductive adhesion layer 2 of the solidelectrolytic capacitor A7 is generally the same as that of the solidelectrolytic capacitor A1, and hence the description thereof will not berepeated.

The base member 71 is made of, for example, a glass epoxy resin. Thebase member 71 has a thickness of, for example, 50 μm. The base member71 does not include a through hole electrode. The base member 71includes a first surface 711 oriented to the anode wire 12, and a secondsurface 712 on the opposite side of the first surface 711. The firstsurface 711 is bonded to the conductive layer 16 by means of theconductive adhesion layer 2.

The mounting anode layer 72 and the mounting cathode layer 73 are bothprovided on the second surface 712. A material that constitutes themounting anode layer 72 and the mounting cathode layer 73 may beselected from conductive materials such as Cu, Au, Ag, Al, and Ni.

The facet 12 a of the anode wire 12, the facet 3 a of the resin package3, a facet 71 a of the base member 71, and a facet 72 a of the mountinganode layer 72 are flush with each other. Likewise, a facet 3 b of theresin package 3, a facet 2 b of the conductive adhesion layer 2, a facet71 b of the base member 71, and a facet 73 b of the mounting cathodelayer 73 are flush with each other.

The lateral anode layer 74 covers the facets 12 a, 3 a, 71 a, and 72 a.The lateral anode layer 74 is disposed in contact with both of the anodewire 12 and the mounting anode layer 72. Accordingly, the mounting anodelayer 72 is electrically connected to the anode wire 12 though thelateral anode layer 74.

The lateral cathode layer 75 covers the facets 3 b, 2 b, 71 b, and 73 b.The lateral cathode layer 75 is disposed in contact with both of theconductive adhesion layer 2 and the mounting cathode layer 73.Accordingly, the mounting cathode layer 73 is electrically connected tothe conductive layer 16 and the solid electrolyte layer 15, though thelateral cathode layer 75 and the conductive adhesion layer 2.

Referring now to FIG. 39, a method of manufacturing the solidelectrolytic capacitor A7 will be briefly described.

First, the capacitor element 1 shown therein is formed by a methodsimilar to that employed in the first embodiment. Then the capacitorelement 1 is bonded to the base member 71 on which the mounting anodelayer 72 and the mounting cathode layer 73 are provided, be means of theconductive adhesion layer 2. The capacitor element 1 is then coveredwith the resin package 3. At this stage, an intermediate product shownin FIG. 39 can be obtained. Thereafter, upon cutting the intermediateproduct along cutting lines CL4 and CL5, the facets 12 a, 3 a, 71 a, and72 a, as well as the facets 3 b, 2 b, 71 b, and 73 b shown in FIG. 38,are formed. Then the lateral anode layer 74 and the lateral cathodelayer 75 are formed by plating. Thus, the solid electrolytic capacitorA7 shown in FIG. 38 can be obtained.

Hereunder, advantages of this embodiment will be described.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A7, the insulating layer 14 isformed by melting the plurality of granular particles 81. Such a methodassures that the insulating layer 14 achieves close contact with theanode wire 12. Accordingly, in the step S4 of forming the solidelectrolyte layer 15, the aqueous solution 87 can be suppressed fromspreading up through between the anode wire 12 and the insulating layer14 due to capillary action.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A7 according to this embodiment, theinsulating layer 14 is formed by melting the granular particles 81,which eliminates the need to employ a washer for preventing the upwardspreading of the aqueous solution 87. Therefore, the solid electrolyticcapacitor A7 can avoid the drawback arising from employing the washer,as described with reference to the first embodiment.

Further, the solid electrolytic capacitor A7 is advantageous forincreasing the capacitance and reducing the size thereof, for the samereason mentioned with reference to the solid electrolytic capacitor A1.

FIGS. 40 to 42 are cross-sectional views respectively showing variationsof the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The solidelectrolytic capacitors A71, A72, and A73 shown in these drawingscorrespond to the foregoing solid electrolytic capacitors A12, A2, andA22, respectively. The solid electrolytic capacitors A71, A72, and A73are generally the same as the solid electrolytic capacitor A7 exceptthat the insulating layer 14 is formed in a different shape.Accordingly, description of these variations of this embodiment will beomitted.

It is to be understood that the present invention is in no way limitedto the foregoing embodiments. Specific design and structure of theconstituents of the present invention may be modified in variousmanners.

The foregoing embodiments represent the case where the step S2 offorming the insulating layer 14 is followed by the step S3 of formingthe dielectric layer 13, in order not to handle the element aftercompleting the step S3 of forming the dielectric layer 13. Conversely,the step S3 of forming the dielectric layer 13 may be followed by thestep S2 of forming the insulating layer 14. In this case also, theadvantages offered by the foregoing embodiments can equally be obtained.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 44 is across-sectional view taken along a line XLIV-XLIV in FIG. 43. In FIG.44, the resin package 3 is represented only by imaginary lines.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A8 shown in these drawings includes thecapacitor element 1, the conductive adhesion layer 2, the resin package3, the pillow electrode 4, the anode mounting terminal 51, and thecathode mounting terminal 52. The solid electrolytic capacitor A8 isgenerally the same as the solid electrolytic capacitor A12 except forthe configuration of the capacitor element 1 and the anode mountingterminal 51, and hence the description of the remaining constituentswill not be repeated.

The capacitor element 1 includes the porous sintered body 11, the anodewire 12, the dielectric layer 13, the insulating layer 14, the solidelectrolyte layer 15, and the conductive layer 16. In this embodiment,the porous sintered body 11, the anode wire 12, and the dielectric layer13 are generally the same as those of the solid electrolytic capacitorA12, and hence the description thereof will not be repeated. In thisembodiment, the four surfaces 11 b of the porous sintered body 11 arespecified as a first lateral surface 111 b, second lateral surfaces 112b, 113 b, and a third lateral surface 114 b. The first lateral surface111 b, the second lateral surfaces 112 b, 113 b, and the third lateralsurface 114 b are oriented in a direction perpendicular to thex-direction.

In this embodiment, the insulating layer 14 includes a first lateralfilm portion 143, in addition to the first film portion 141 and thesecond film portion 142. The first film portion 141 and the second filmportion 142 are generally the same as those of the solid electrolyticcapacitor A12, and hence the description thereof will not be repeated.

The first lateral film portion 143 covers the first lateral surface 111b of the porous sintered body 11. The first lateral film portion 143 isformed as an extension of the first film portion 141. As shown in anenlarged fragmentary view in FIG. 43, the first lateral film portion 143includes a surface 143 a oriented outward in a radial direction of theanode wire 12. The surface 143 a is uniformly spaced from the firstlateral surface 111 b over the entirety of the surface 143 a. In otherwords, the thickness L1 f of the surface 143 a is uniform over theentirety thereof. The thickness L1 f may be, for example, 50 μm or less,and is 2 μm to 4 μm in this embodiment. The thickness L1 f hereinreferred to is defined as a distance between the surface 143 a and thefirst lateral surface 111 b. Here, the thickness L1 b of the firstlateral film portion 143 may be the same as the thickness L1 a of thefirst film portion 141 (see FIG. 1).

Referring again to the enlarged fragmentary view in FIG. 43, the solidelectrolyte layer 15 includes a portion elevated from the first lateralfilm portion 143 in a radial direction of the anode wire 12 (orthogonalto the x-direction). A maximum thickness L1 g of such an elevatedportion of the solid electrolyte layer 15 is, for example, 10 μm to 100μm. The maximum thickness L1 g herein referred to is defined as adistance in the radial direction between the first lateral surface 111 band a most elevated portion of the solid electrolyte layer 15. In thesolid electrolytic capacitor A8, the second lateral surfaces 112 b, 113b and the third lateral surface 114 b are not covered with theinsulating layer 14. The entirety of the second lateral surfaces 112 b,113 b and the third lateral surface 114 b is covered with the solidelectrolyte layer 15.

The conductive layer 16 covers the solid electrolyte layer 15, but noneof the first film portion 141, the second film portion 142, and thefirst lateral film portion 143. The conductive layer 16 has a layeredstructure including, for example, a graphite layer and a silver layer.

The anode mounting terminal 51 is generally the same as that of thesolid electrolytic capacitor A12. That is, the anode mounting terminal51 according to this embodiment is configured as follows. As shown inFIG. 43, the anode mounting terminal 51 is offset from the anode wire 12in a direction in which the first lateral surface 111 b faces. The anodemounting terminal 51 overlaps the first lateral film portion 143 in thex-direction. The anode mounting terminal 51 is disposed so as to opposethe first lateral film portion 143 across a part of the resin package 3.The anode mounting terminal 51 is spaced from the respective front endportions of the solid electrolyte layer 15 and the conductive layer 16in the x-direction. In other words, the anode mounting terminal 51 islocated ahead of those end portions of the solid electrolyte layer 15and the conductive layer 16, in the x-direction. As shown in FIG. 44, ina cross-section orthogonal to the x-direction, a maximum size of theanode mounting terminal 51 in a direction orthogonal to both thex-direction and the direction in which the first lateral surface 111 bis oriented (size in a horizontal direction in FIG. 44) is smaller thana maximum size of the porous sintered body in the direction orthogonalto both the x-direction and the direction in which the first lateralsurface 111 b is oriented.

Hereunder, a method of manufacturing the solid electrolytic capacitor A8will be briefly described.

First, the step S1 is performed in which the porous sintered body 11′shown in FIG. 45 is formed.

Then the step S2 is performed in which the insulating layer 14 (see FIG.47) is formed, as shown in FIGS. 45 to 47. In this embodiment, theretention member 88 is employed so as to apply the aqueous dispersion 8to the anode wire 12′ and the surface 11 a′ and the first lateralsurface 111 b′ of the porous sintered body 11′, as shown in FIG. 45. Toapply the aqueous dispersion 8, the anode wire 12′ is slightly tiltedwith respect to a vertical direction. As a result, the plurality ofgranular particles 81 is deposited to the anode wire 12′, the surface 11a′, and the first lateral surface 111 b′ as shown in FIG. 46. The stepS21 of depositing the granular particles 81 to the anode wire 12′ isthus performed. Proceeding to FIG. 47, the step S22 is performed inwhich the granular particles 81 are heated thus to be molten. At thisstage, the insulating layer 14 is obtained.

The foregoing is followed by the step S3 of forming the dielectric layer13 and the step S4 of forming the solid electrolyte layer 15 areperformed, as in the first embodiment. Then the step S5 of forming theconductive layer 16 is performed. Further, upon forming the pillowelectrode 4, the anode mounting terminal 51, the cathode mountingterminal 52, and the resin package 3, the solid electrolytic capacitorA8 shown in FIG. 43 can be obtained.

Hereunder, advantages of this embodiment will be described.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A8, the insulating layer 14 isformed by melting the plurality of granular particles 81. Such a methodassures that the insulating layer 14 achieves close contact with theanode wire 12. Accordingly, in the step S4 of forming the solidelectrolyte layer 15, the aqueous solution 87 can be suppressed fromspreading up through between the anode wire 12 and the insulating layer14 due to capillary action.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A8 according to this embodiment, theinsulating layer 14 is formed by melting the granular particles 81,which eliminates the need to employ a washer for preventing the upwardspreading of the aqueous solution 87. Thus, the solid electrolyticcapacitor A8 can avoid the drawback arising from employing the washer,as described with reference to the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the step S21 of depositing the granular particles 81to the anode wire 12′ is performed through applying the aqueousdispersion 8 to the anode wire 12′. The granular particles 81 aredispersed in the aqueous dispersion 8. Therefore, the method accordingto this embodiment is advantageous for depositing the granular particles81 to the anode wire 12′ in the dispersed state.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A8, the insulating layer 14 includesthe first lateral film portion 143 covering the first lateral surface111 b and extending to the first film portion 141. The insulating layer14 is normally not covered with the solid electrolyte layer 15 and theconductive layer 16. Accordingly, the respective front end portions ofthe solid electrolyte layer 15 and the conductive layer 16 covering thefirst lateral surface 111 b can be located farther backward in thex-direction. Such a configuration can prevent the anode mountingterminal 51 from contacting the solid electrolyte layer 15 or theconductive layer 16 provided on the first lateral surface 111 b, even inthe case where, as in the solid electrolytic capacitor A8, the anodemounting terminal 51 is disposed at a position offset from the anodewire 12 in a direction in which the first lateral surface 111 b faces.

Referring now to FIGS. 48 and 49, a first variation of the eighthembodiment will be described. FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of asolid electrolytic capacitor according to the first variation of theeighth embodiment. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional vies taken along a lineXLIX-XLIX in FIG. 48. In FIG. 49, the resin package 3 is representedonly by imaginary lines.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A81 shown in these drawings isdifferent from the solid electrolytic capacitor A8 in that theinsulating layer 14 includes second lateral film portions 144, 145 and athird lateral film portion 146. The second lateral film portion 144covers the second lateral surface 112 b, and the second lateral filmportion 145 covers the second lateral surface 113 b. The second lateralfilm portions 144, 145 extend to both the first film portion 141 and thefirst lateral film portion 143. The third lateral film portion 146extends to the first film portion 141 and the second lateral filmportions 144, 145. The entirety of the surface 11 a is covered with thefirst film portion 141, but not with the solid electrolyte layer 15.Further, as shown in FIG. 49, the solid electrolytic capacitor A81 isdifferent from the solid electrolytic capacitor A8 in that, in across-section orthogonal to the x-direction, a maximum size of theporous sintered body 11 in a direction orthogonal to both thex-direction and the direction in which the first lateral surface 111 bis oriented (size in a horizontal direction in FIG. 49) is smaller thana maximum size of the anode mounting terminal 51 in the directionorthogonal to both the x-direction and the direction in which the firstlateral surface 111 b is oriented.

With such a configuration, in the case where the second lateral surface112 b is not covered with the second lateral film portion 144 but withthe solid electrolyte layer 15 over the entirety of the second lateralsurface 112 b, the anode mounting terminal 51 and the solid electrolytelayer 15 covering the second lateral surface 112 b may contact eachother. In this embodiment, however, the second lateral surface 112 b iscovered with the second lateral film portion 144.

Accordingly, as mentioned with reference to the solid electrolyticcapacitor A8, the anode mounting terminal 51 can be prevented fromcontacting the solid electrolyte layer 15 or the conductive layer 16provided on the second lateral surface 112 b. Likewise, the anodemounting terminal 51 can be prevented from contacting the solidelectrolyte layer 15 or the conductive layer 16 provided on the secondlateral surface 113 b.

Referring to FIG. 50, a second variation of the eighth embodiment willbe described. FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view showing the secondvariation of this embodiment.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A8 e shown in FIG. 50 is different fromthe solid electrolytic capacitor A8 in that the anode wire 12 is notlocated at the center of the surface 11 a of the porous sintered body11, but at a position deviated from the center of the surface 11 a.Another difference of the solid electrolytic capacitor A82 from thesolid electrolytic capacitor A8 is that the pillow electrode 4 is notprovided, and that the anode mounting terminal 51 and the cathodemounting terminal 52 have a generally L-shaped cross-section. The anodemounting terminal 51 and the cathode mounting terminal 52 are generallythe same as those of the solid electrolytic capacitor A5, and hence thedescription thereof will not be repeated.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A82 does not include a washer, which isa solid material. The insulating layer 14 in the solid electrolyticcapacitor A82 is formed utilizing the aqueous dispersion 8 which is aliquid. Accordingly, even in the case where the anode wire 12 is locatedat a position deviated from the center of the surface 11 a, there is noneed to modify a component such as the washer for forming the insulatinglayer 14. Consequently, the design of the solid electrolytic capacitorA82 can be modified without incurring an increase in manufacturing cost.

The configuration of the solid electrolytic capacitor A82 can prevent,for the same reason mentioned with reference to the solid electrolyticcapacitor A8, the anode mounting terminal 51 from contacting the solidelectrolyte layer 15 or the conductive layer 16 provided on the firstlateral surface 111 b.

Also, in the process of applying the aqueous dispersion 8, which is aliquid, to the anode wire 12, the aqueous dispersion 8 tends to residearound the anode wire 12. Accordingly, in the case where the anode wire12 is located at a position deviated from the center of the surface 11a, the aqueous dispersion 8 can be more easily applied to the lateralsurface of the porous sintered body 11. Such an effect is advantageousfor forming the structure including the first lateral film portion 143to be formed on the first lateral surface 111 b, one of the lateralsurfaces of the porous sintered body 11.

Referring to FIG. 51, a third variation of the eighth embodiment will bedescribed. FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view showing the third variationof this embodiment.

The solid electrolytic capacitor A83 shown in FIG. 51 includes thecapacitor element 1, the conductive adhesion layer 2, the resin package3, the base member 71, the mounting anode layer 72, the mounting cathodelayer 73, the lateral anode layer 74, and the lateral cathode layer 75.The capacitor element 1 and the conductive adhesion layer 2 of the solidelectrolytic capacitor A83 are generally the same as those of the solidelectrolytic capacitor A81, and hence the description thereof will notbe repeated solid electrolytic capacitor A83

, The resin package 3, the base member 71, the mounting anode layer 72,the mounting cathode layer 73, the lateral anode layer 74, and thelateral cathode layer 75 are generally the same as those of the solidelectrolytic capacitor A71, and hence the description thereof will notbe repeated. In this embodiment, however, the lateral anode layer 74includes a portion 741. The portion 741 covers a facet of the mountinganode layer 72 oriented in a direction opposite the anode wire 12. Thelateral anode layer 74 thus configured can be formed by sputteringconductive particles to the resin package 3 in an oblique direction froma lower left position toward an upper right position in FIG. 51.

In this case, the surface 11 a is not covered with the solid electrolytelayer 15, but the entirety of the surface 11 a is covered with the firstfilm portion 141. Accordingly, the lateral anode layer 74 can beprevented from contacting the solid electrolyte layer 15 or theconductive layer 16, even in the case where the lateral anode layer 74is located close to the surface 11 a.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor A83, the lateral anode layer 74includes the portion 741 covering the facet of the mounting anode layer72. Such a configuration increases the bonding area between the lateralanode layer 74 and the mounting anode layer 72. Accordingly, the solidelectrolytic capacitor A83 more effectively prevents the lateral anodelayer 74 from separating from the mounting anode layer 72.

Although it is preferable to perform the step S21 by applying theaqueous dispersion 8 to the anode wire 12′ thereby depositing theplurality of granular particles 81 thereto, the granular particles 81alone may be sprayed over the anode wire 12′. application.

1-44. (canceled)
 45. A solid electrolytic capacitor comprising: a poroussintered body made of a valve metal; an anode wire projecting from theporous sintered body; a dielectric layer provided on the porous sinteredbody; an insulating layer made of a fluorine resin and covering only aportion of the anode wire that is spaced apart from the porous sinteredbody; and a solid electrolyte layer provided on the dielectric layer andthe anode wire, the solid electrolyte layer including a portion elevatedbeyond the insulating layer in a radial direction of the anode wire. 46.The solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 45, wherein theinsulating layer is in contact with the anode wire.
 47. The solidelectrolytic capacitor according to claim 45, further comprising apillow electrode and an anode mounting terminal, wherein the pillowelectrode supports the anode wire, and the anode mounting terminal iselectrically connected to the anode wire via the pillow electrode. 48.The solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 47, wherein theanode mounting terminal includes a mounting surface, a supportingsurface and a recessed surface, both the supporting surface and therecessed surface being opposite to the mounting surface, the supportingsurface supporting the pillow electrode, and wherein a distance betweenthe recessed surface and the mounting surface is smaller than a distancebetween the supporting surface and the mounting surface.
 49. The solidelectrolytic capacitor according to claim 48, wherein the anode mountingterminal includes a fillet portion receding from the mourning surfacetoward the supporting surface.
 50. The solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to claim 48, further comprising an insulating layer providedon the recessed surface.
 51. The solid electrolytic capacitor accordingto claim 47, further comprising a resin package that covers the anodewire and the pillow electrode, wherein the anode wire and the pillowelectrode each include a facet exposed from the resin package and flushwith each other, and the resin package includes a facet that is flushwith a facet of the anode wire.
 52. The solid electrolytic, capacitoraccording to claim 51, wherein the insulating layer includes a facetexposed from the resin package and flush with the facet of the anodewire.
 53. The solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 47,wherein the pillow electrode is connected to a portion of the anode wirespaced apart from the insulating layer.
 54. The solid electrolyticcapacitor according to claim 47, wherein the pillow electrode is incontact with the insulating layer.
 55. The solid electrolytic capacitoraccording, to claim 47, wherein the insulating layer includes anopening, and the pillow electrode is connected to a portion of the anodewire exposed through the opening.
 56. The solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to claim 45, further comprising: a base member including afirst surface directed to the anode wire and a second surface oppositeto the first surface; a mounting anode layer provided on the secondsurface of the base member and electrically connected to the anode wire;and a mounting cathode layer provided on the second surface of the basemember and electrically connected to the solid electrolyte layer. 57.The solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 56, furthercomprising: a surface anode layer provided on the first surface of thebase member and electrically connected to the mounting anode layer; anda surface cathode layer provided on the first surface of the base memberand electrically connected to the mounting cathode layer.
 58. The solidelectrolytic capacitor according to claim 57, wherein the base memberincludes a stepped portion receding from the second surface toward thefirst surface.
 59. The solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim57, further comprising a pillow electrode supporting the anode wire,wherein the surface anode layer supports the pillow electrode.
 60. Thesolid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 59, further comprising aresin package that covers the anode wire and the pillow electrode,wherein the anode wire and the pillow electrode each include a facetexposed from the resin package and flush with each other, and the resinpackage includes a facet flush with a facet of the anode wire.
 61. Thesolid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 60, wherein theinsulating layer includes a facet exposed from the resin package andflush with the facet of the anode wire.
 62. The solid electrolyticcapacitor according to claim 51, wherein the pillow electrode isconnected to a portion of the anode wire spaced apart from theinsulating layer.
 63. The solid electrolytic capacitor according toclaim 59, wherein the pillow electrode is in contact with the insulatinglayer.
 64. The solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 59,wherein the insulating layer includes an opening, and the pillowelectrode is connected to a portion of the anode wire exposed throughthe opening.
 65. The solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 56,further comprising, a resin package that covers the anode wire, whereinthe anode wire includes a facet exposed from the resin package, andwherein the resin package, the base member, and the mounting anode layereach include a facet that is flush with the facet of the anode wire. 66.The solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 65, furthercomprising a lateral anode layer that covers the facet of each of theanode wire, the resin package, the base member, and the mounting anodelayer.
 67. The solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 66,wherein the lateral anode layer is formed by plating.
 68. The solidelectrolytic capacitor according to claim 65, wherein the insulatinglayer includes a facet exposed from the resin package and flush with thefacet of the anode wire.
 69. The solid electrolytic capacitor accordingto claim 45, wherein the porous sintered body includes a wire-projectingsurface from which the anode wire projects, and the anode wire has acentral axis that is offset from a center of the wire-projectingsurface.
 70. The solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 45,wherein the fluorine resin only contains at least one selected from thegroup consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkylvinylether copolymer (PFA),fluorinated ethylene polypropylene copolymer (FEP),tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (LIFE), and polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF).